3 November 2024

Ducklings stolen in farm break-in

By Rebecca Hannant

Staff and volunteers at a Hedon farm have been left “gutted” after several ducklings were stolen.

The birds are believed to have been taken from an enclosure at Little Haven Farm between 2am and 3am on Sunday, June 9.

Owner Suzie Wright said: “Between two and three o’clock in the morning on June 9 we had a break-in at the farm. We believe they were disturbed by our dog as she went crackers at one point, however we could not see anybody at the time.

“They managed to avoid our CCTV so unfortunately, we’ve got absolutely no evidence whatsoever apart from the six missing Cherry Valley ducklings and other tiny ducklings. We know it wasn’t an animal attack because they’ve broken in through one of the side gates to the farm and the gates to the enclosure where the ducklings were.”

“It looks like somebody had been before seen where the CCTV was, how to avoid it and knew exactly what they were looking for. We are absolutely gutted.”

Following the theft, the farm say they are concerned about the wellbeing of the ducklings and are calling for their safe return.

Staff also say that they have been left upset and worried about the impact of the break-in and the security of the site.

Suzie said: “We’re also sad and upset that someone has broken on to our property. We’re worried about the security of the site going forward and we need to upgrade our CCTV system which will incur extra costs for a rescue centre which is already struggling with finances. Something like this impacts us in so many ways.”

Humberside Police said in a statement: “Inquiries are under way after six ducklings were reportedly stolen in a burglary at a farm on Havenside in Hedon.

“The burglary took place at around 2am on Sunday, June 9, when someone allegedly broke into the farm and took the ducklings from inside the grounds.

“Anyone with any information about the burglary, or the whereabouts of the ducklings, is asked to call our non-emergency 101 line quoting crime reference 24*80063.”

The farm remains open to visitors while staff appeal for donations to help fund a CCTV upgrade.